Final answer:
The reproduction method that results in greater genetic variation than mitosis is meiosis (A), as it involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to offspring with unique genetic makeup.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of reproduction that results in offspring with greater genetic variation than what is produced by mitosis is meiosis. This is because meiosis involves the combination of genetic material from two parents. During meiosis, gametes (sperm and egg cells) are produced, each with half the number of chromosomes of a normal cell. When these gametes unite during fertilization, they create a zygote with a unique combination of chromosomes. This process introduces genetic variation in the offspring due to events such as crossing over and the independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis.
In contrast, binary fission, budding, and parthenogenesis are forms of asexual reproduction that do not result in as much genetic variation as sexual reproduction. Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction found in prokaryotes, like bacteria, where a single organism divides into two parts to reproduce. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows out of the body of a parent, like in some plants and hydra. Parthenogenesis, although it involves the development of an egg without fertilization, typically results in offspring that are genetically similar to the parent.
The answer to the question is A. Meiosis, which is the process that most closely associates with sexual reproduction and leads to greater genetic variation in offspring compared to mitosis. This variation is essential for the survival of species, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.